Treatment outcomes of vitiligo in Asian children.

This retrospective study aimed to identify factors that predict treatment response in a cohort of Asian children with vitiligo. Shorter duration of vitiligo was associated with better repigmentation. Patients with focal vitiligo of short duration have a good chance of achieving repigmentation with topical agents alone.

Safety and Antipruritic Efficacy of a Menthol-Containing Moisturizing Cream.

Itch is frequently associated with dermatoses characterized by a defective skin barrier. We formulated an itch-relieving moisturizing cream containing 3% menthol and ceramides. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and antipruritic efficacy of application of this cream in volunteers with and without skin diseases. Volunteers were asked to apply the cream for 1 month on a minimum body surface area of 6%. Safety was assessed by the absence of contact dermatitis or other side effects, using a self-administered questionnaire completed at 5 minutes, 1 week, and 1 month after application. To determine efficacy, volunteers with pruritic dermatoses were asked to grade their average itch intensity at baseline, 1 week, and 1 month after application. Sixty volunteers were recruited, of whom 41 had no skin disease; no adverse events were reported in the latter. Of the 19 volunteers with dermatoses, 18 reportedly had atopic dermatitis. One of the 60 volunteers stopped application due to stinging sensations induced by menthol. Itch scores of volunteers with dermatitis improved from baseline at 1 week (P=.01) and 1 month (P<.01) after application. Application of a 3% menthol-containing moisturizing cream was safe in healthy individuals and participants with dermatitis. In the latter, itch scores were significantly reduced during follow-up.

Cellulitis Recurrence Score: a tool for predicting recurrence of lower limb cellulitis.

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis is the most common skin and soft tissue infection and is associated with frequent recurrences. OBJECTIVES: An objective of our study was to identify factors for recurrence in patients who present with a first episode of lower-limb cellulitis. A secondary aim was to formulate a score based on observed clinical risk factors that might predict recurrence within a year. METHODS: Dermatology referral forms and national computerized records were reviewed from 2003 to 2012. Demographics, coexistent dermatoses, local factors, and comorbidities were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 102 (45.3%) of 225 patients had recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphedema (P < .0005), chronic venous insufficiency (P < .0005), peripheral vascular disease (P = .002), and deep vein thrombosis (P = .008) predicted for recurrence. The Cellulitis Recurrence Score (CRS) was constructed based on these factors. CRS ≥ 2 was associated with a positive predictive value of 83.6% and negative predictive value of 67.5%. Model performance was good (Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic, P = .753). LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective study limited to an inpatient cohort. CONCLUSION: Lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis were risk factors. CRS is reliable for predicting recurrence, and early interventions should be considered in patients with CRS ≥ 2.

Lichen nitidus presenting with nail changes--case report and review of the literature.

Lichen nitidus of the nail is rare and can precede the onset of skin lesions. Delayed diagnosis is common. We present an unusual case of lichen nitidus-associated nail changes that preceded the onset of skin lesions in a 4-year-old Indian girl. We also conduct a review of six other cases of lichen nitidus with nail involvement from the English-language literature. Clues to the diagnosis of lichen nitidus include violaceous or pigmentary changes of the nail fold and subtle lichenoid papules on the affected digits. Lichen nitidus of the nails appears to be less severe than nail changes of lichen planus and is generally self-limiting. Understanding the natural history of lichen nitidus of the nails will help physicians better counsel patients and their families.

Localised swelling at sites of dermal filler injections following administration of Covid-19 vaccines: a systematic review.

Introduction: Localised swelling at sites of filler injections has been reported in the Moderna mRNA-1273 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine trial. Methods: We conducted a review of the existing data and literature on the potential pathophysiology for this adverse event and its potential management. Results: Data from the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Phase 3 trial and one case series were available. Three out of 30,400 subjects developed possible filler reaction in the Moderna trial. Two other cases were reported after emergency use authorisation. Reactions occurred at a mean of 1.4 days post-vaccination. Fillers were injected at a mean of 14.1 months before vaccination. Areas involved included lips, infraorbital areas and tear troughs. Treatment included observation, corticosteroids, antihistamine, hyaluronidase and 5-fluorouracil. Conclusion: Rare, self-limiting adverse reactions to dermal fillers have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians should be aware of this clinical phenomenon and its management, as vaccination is carried out globally.

Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors and Their Utility in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in humans, and as such it poses a significant healthcare burden. The majority of BCC cases are amenable to cure by surgical extirpation. However, until recently there have been no good treatment options for a significant minority of advanced BCC cases, including locally advanced BCC and metastatic BCC. The introduction of a novel class of drugs, the Hedgehog pathway inhibitors, into clinical practice has ushered in a new treatment algorithm for the treatment of difficult BCC cases. In this review we present the latest available evidence and discuss areas for further research in this rapidly evolving field.

Toxic erythema of chemotherapy with periorbital and perioral involvement.

Toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) refers to a group of chemotherapy-induced cutaneous toxicities. We present a case of TEC in an 11-year-old girl who received gemcitabine and docetaxel for osteosarcoma of the femur.